10 Little Tips To Make Your Mexico Trip More Enjoyable

10 Little Tips to Make Your Mexico Trip More Enjoyable

El Fuerte, Sinaloa. A Pueblo Magico.

Story by Jim Foreman

For too many travelers to Mexico, the urge to travel ‘Gringo-Style’ is so ingrained that it’s easy to miss the heart and soul of Mexico. So often, it’s easy to believe we have this traveling thing dialed in that we neglect some wonderful experiences and opportunities that are all around.

It’s disappointing to see visitors crowded into a McDonalds, Starbucks or other US-based chain restaurants when there is an excellent taqueria or locally owned café serving up fantastic and tasty food and drinks for much less money.

Mexico does a great job accommodating to tourists and their whims. Consider moving beyond being a tourist and learning from the Mexican Culture. Adapt your outlook and open your mind and heart to new and wonderful experiences that are awaiting you throughout the country.

Like so many lists, this one started with Six Little Tips. It then grew to eight and had to be capped off at ten. There are undoubtedly many more tips and suggestions for immersing yourself in this vibrant and rewarding culture. These stand out as being good ones for starters.

10 Little Tips To Make Your Mexico Trip More Enjoyable.

Historic Centro of Zacatecas

1. Walk or take a cab to the city center at night

In most Mexican towns, like European towns, the action is often found in the city center each night. Experienced some of the best restaurants and atmosphere in the centro. If unsure, ask a local or someone at your hotel about the centro and make a point to walk or take a cab to visit it. Take a photo of the hotel’s business card so you can show a taxi driver where to take you when it’s time to go back.

Alameda Hidalgo in Querétaro.

2. Enjoy an afternoon strolling through a park

One doesn’t have to be a parent with a child or a seasoned citizen to enjoy a stroll in the park. Many city centros have a park one can walk or sit and enjoy the life all around. Grab a snack or lunch and enjoy it at one of the many lush green parks. Of course, this can be experienced back home, too, but in Mexico, it’s almost always a bit special and filled with magic moments.

Some delicious Tacos de Chaplines

3. Eat foods you typically don’t eat back home

Mexicans enjoy a diverse and colorful diet. When you’re at a restaurant, don’t be afraid to ask for the house specialty. In certain regions of Mexico, unusual food items to Americans and Canadians are common. Grasshoppers are served up as Chapulines, and they’re quite yummy. Raices Restaurant in Durango is a café that serves up Scorpions.

Ideally, follow this rule and you’ll be okay. If it’s served up in a taco, it’s going to be tasty.

Local stand on Mex 15 just south of the Sonora Sinaloa border.

4. Enjoy a fresh Coco Frio

When traveling along the carretera or roadway, look for a roadside stall serving up Cocos Frios. These are fresh coconuts kept on ice. When ordered, the vendor will cut or punch a hole allowing a straw to enjoy a wonderfully refreshing treat. Afterward, they will often scoop out the coconut meat, and you can enjoy it as a snack on your journey. They’re a perfect midday snack and should not be missed or passed up.

Mercado in San Miguel de Allende

5. Visit a local market for drinks, snacks, or even full meals to enjoy back at your place

Sure, one can buy overpriced snacks at the hotel, but instead, visit a local market. There you can get bottled water, beer, tequila, fruits, bread, and sometimes even fully cooked meals to be taken home and enjoyed. Consider this as both an economical and tasty way to enjoy life, Mexican style.

Las Casas B+B in Cuernavaca

6. Consider staying at local hotels rather than big name ones

There’s nothing wrong with big name hotels. They offer consistency. When in town, apps like Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com will list those, but before you book, drive through town. Head to the center to find some excellent hotels in desirable locations, often at local prices. If you ask nicely for a promotion, many will try to give you a discount.

For Example, In the Centro of Cuernavaca, one can stay at a very nice Holiday Inn, or at the extraordinary Las Casas B+B. They are often about the same price. One glance reveals the locally owned Las Casas B+B to be a singularly spectacular experience.

Spectacular Cañon de Namurachi in Chihuahua

7. Ask locals for recommendations on restaurants and attractions

Mexicans don’t typically rely on Google or Yelp for restaurant recommendations. Instead, they ask locals or look for one with lots well-dressed locals enjoying their meal. If in doubt, ask a well dressed Mexican or taxi driver for a recommendation. One can even ask a police officer as they will often be happy to help.

Mazatlan Ticket Office for Baja Ferries

8. Book tickets in person rather than online when possible

Except for airline tickets, it’s often best to buy event, attraction, and travel tickets in person. Though this is gradually changing, most Mexicans still don’t entirely trust the internet and prefer dealing in person with transactions. If there’s anything cool going on in town, you probably won’t find it on Facebook or the Internet. Put on the sneakers and head out to enjoy it. You’ll be thankful you did.

The Santa Prisca in the Pueblo Magico Taxco, Guerrero

9. Visit and stay in Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos

Pueblos Magicos (Magic villages) are wonderful and unique towns in Mexico. If there is one nearby or along your way, make a point to visit it and spend some time there. They are lovely places to spend an afternoon or night. Learn more about all 111 Pueblos Magicos.

Politics is more divisive abroad than at home.

10. Drop any and all political pretense at the border

This is a big one. No matter where you are or what you think back in the USA and Canada, put a lid on it when you travel, especially in Mexico. Too often, people conditioned to like or dislike people based merely on their politics. In nearly all cases, one ends up insulting and offending Mexicans. If you think you’re enlightened and this only applies to the other side, you’re grossly mistaken. Rise above that nonsense and be classy. If asked a pointed political question, deflect it. Any answer you give will offend your hosts, no matter what side you’re on. This is true anywhere you travel. Keep your political opinions to yourself along with your views on religion. You’ll make infinitely more friends and will hopefully realize you’re probably being played for a useful idiot, back home.

This story and others found here are designed to give you a richer and more enjoyable Mexican experience. We know Mexico is a wonderful neighbor and offers many perspectives and unique experiences.

Traveling overland in Mexico is easy, fun, and rewarding. All you need is your passport, a Mexican Insurance Store policy, tourist visa, and TVIP, if needed. Then enjoy the wonders this amazing country has to offer.

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